If you are looking for a comforting and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal, this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a total winner. Creamy, buttery, and infused with the warm aroma of roasted garlic, these mashed potatoes bring a whole new level of coziness to your table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, savoring these potatoes will make everyone ask for seconds. Trust me, once you master this recipe, mashed potatoes will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness in this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creaminess of butter to the gentle zing of fresh garlic.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These starchy, hearty potatoes cook evenly and offer a fluffy yet creamy texture perfect for mashing.
- Garlic cloves: Roasting or simmering garlic softens its bite, adding a mild, aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and a silky smooth mouthfeel; starting with melted butter helps it incorporate evenly.
- Heavy cream or milk: Cream brings luscious creaminess, while milk offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional): These bright, fresh herbs add a pop of color and a subtle freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes and Garlic
Begin by peeling and cutting your Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes into chunks of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking. Add the garlic cloves whole alongside the potatoes in a large pot and cover everything with cold water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Let Evaporate
Once the potatoes and garlic are fork-tender, drain them thoroughly. Return the drained potatoes and garlic back to the pot and let them sit for a minute or two. This step encourages any excess moisture to evaporate so your mashed potatoes won’t turn out watery, helping you achieve that perfect fluffy consistency.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes and Garlic
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes together with the softened garlic until smooth. The garlic blends in seamlessly at this stage, infusing every bite with gentle, aromatic flavor that makes this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cream
Slowly pour in the melted butter as you stir the potatoes, allowing them to absorb all that rich flavor and velvety texture. Follow with the heavy cream or milk, adjusting the amount to reach your desired creaminess. This careful step ensures your mashed potatoes remain fluffy but decadent without being too dry or heavy.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Finally, it’s time to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy—taste as you go to get the perfect balance because seasoning can truly elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Transfer your gorgeous garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and, if you like, sprinkle on some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve them warm alongside your favorite main courses, and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives instantly brightens the plate and adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the creamy richness perfectly. For a little extra indulgence, try a light drizzle of browned butter or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top.
Side Dishes
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It also complements hearty vegetable dishes and gravy-based meals beautifully. Think roast chicken with herbs, glazed carrots, or a juicy steak—anything that benefits from a scoop of creamy, flavorful potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mashed potatoes inside hollowed-out baked potato skins, topped with bacon bits and a bit of cheddar cheese. Or use a piping bag to create pretty mashed potato swirls, then roast them briefly under a broiler for a golden crust. Comfort food, meeting a little creative flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe for longer, they freeze well! Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your mashed potatoes gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir frequently to heat evenly without drying out the potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic instead of roasted garlic in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe uses garlic cloves cooked alongside the potatoes, which softens their flavor naturally. Roasted garlic can add extra depth, but fresh simmered garlic works perfectly and is easier to prepare.
What’s the best type of potato for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are both excellent choices. Yukon Golds yield creamy, buttery results while Russets give a fluffier texture. You can even mix the two to get the best of both worlds.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of cream. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use warm heavy cream or milk when mixing into the potatoes, and don’t be afraid to add a little more butter. Using a potato ricer instead of a masher also gives a smoother, creamier texture.
Is it okay to peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?
Peeling creates a smoother mashed potato, which is traditional for this recipe. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients but results in a more rustic mash. It’s all about personal preference!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a must-have in your comfort food repertoire. Its creamy texture, rich garlicky flavor, and simple ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser every time. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table.
Print
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe features creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic flavor. Made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, butter, cream, and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect comforting side dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Garlic
- 2 lbs (about 4–5 medium) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4–5 cloves garlic, peeled
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes and Garlic: Place the potato chunks and garlic cloves in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season while cooking.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft.
- Drain and Rest: Drain the potatoes and garlic well, then return them to the pot. Let them sit for about a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate, which helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- Mash the Potatoes and Garlic: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes and garlic together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Butter and Cream: Slowly stir in the melted butter, followed by the heavy cream or milk, mixing until the mashed potatoes reach your preferred level of creaminess.
- Season to Taste: Generously add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve the garlic mashed potatoes warm alongside your favorite entrée for a comforting and delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture or Russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy milk option.
- Make sure to drain potatoes thoroughly after boiling to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Garlic adds flavor but can be adjusted according to taste preference.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
